Madrid in the headlines: trains crash again after deadly Córdoba incident; city reels as rescue ops continue. Spain’s capital, 3.4M city folk.
The UK government has announced a roadmap for future fiscal devolution to give regional leaders control of a share of some national taxes. Officials are working to publish the plan in the autumn budget. The move aims to empower regional leadership, keep reforms fiscally neutral, and bolster ties with Europe to curb inflation and boost growth.
A mother in the US received a $5,185 phone bill after her daughter unknowingly made international calls on Roblox. Reddit users suggested solutions like blocking international calls or negotiating with the provider. The story highlights online safety and billing issues for parents today.
Begoña Gómez, wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been charged with influence peddling, embezzlement, and corruption related to her role at Madrid's Complutense University. The investigation has been ongoing since 2024, with Gómez denying wrongdoing. The case adds pressure on Sánchez's coalition government as opposition parties call for her resignation. The courts are now deciding whether Gómez will stand trial, amid broader corruption probes involving Sánchez's family and allies. Sánchez has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while the investigation continues to unfold.
Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he has withdrawn from the clay-court season including the Italian Open and Roland Garros after tests on his right wrist confirmed injury. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since hurting the wrist at Barcelona, has missed Madrid and is pausing competition to prioritise recovery ahead of a return date to be evaluated.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado has visited Spain, meeting with opposition figures and avoiding Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. She criticizes Maduro's government, advocates for democratic elections, and signals her intention to return to Venezuela amid ongoing political tensions. Machado's trip highlights divisions within Venezuelan opposition and international support for change.
Spain's National Court has widened its probe into the 2021 €53m Plus Ultra bailout and has searched former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's Madrid office. Zapatero has been summoned to testify on June 2 and has denied receiving payments as investigators examine alleged kickbacks and improper lobbying tied to the airline's rescue.